Thursday, January 30, 2014
News Links, January 30-31, 2014
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
For years national governments have been seeking to reduce the number and size of cash transactions within and between their respective economies.
Even if you pay in cash, using a loyalty card will database your shopping information. Nevertheless, when the lights go out and servers go down, cash — and anonymity — will come back with a vengeance. -- RF
Hawaiian Airlines Now Selling Extra Comfort Premium Economy Seating
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Amid Ukraine protests, some defect from government
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Amid Ukraine protests, some defect from government
EU has secret plan for police to 'remote stop' cars
The EU is developing a secret plan to give the police the power to control cars by switching the engine off remotely
The EU is developing a secret plan to give the police the power to control cars by switching the engine off remotely
Thousands of Pakistanis flee tribal belt fearing more air strikes
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Thai army to deploy more troops amid warning of poll violence
## Energy/resources ##
Record year for offshore wind energy hides slowdown in new projects
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Thai army to deploy more troops amid warning of poll violence
## Energy/resources ##
Record year for offshore wind energy hides slowdown in new projects
Gamesa Closing Pennsylvania Plant After U.S. Wind Credit Expires
Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA (GAM), Spain's largest wind-turbine maker, plans to close a blade factory in Pennsylvania to cut costs after a U.S. tax incentive expired.
Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA (GAM), Spain's largest wind-turbine maker, plans to close a blade factory in Pennsylvania to cut costs after a U.S. tax incentive expired.
ExxonMobil Profit Tumbles As Energy Production Tapers
Exxon Mobil Corp, the world's largest publicly traded oil company by market value, posted lower-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday as it failed to offset declining production but spent heavily to find fresh reserves.
Exxon Mobil Corp, the world's largest publicly traded oil company by market value, posted lower-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday as it failed to offset declining production but spent heavily to find fresh reserves.
Oil Industry Starts to Squeeze Costs, Wages
Cutting the cost of everything from salaries and steel pipes to seismic surveys and drilling equipment is the central challenge for the oil and gas industry over the next five years. The tremendous increase in exploration and production activity around the world over the last ten years has strained the global supply chain and been accompanied by a predictable increase in operating and capital costs.
Cutting the cost of everything from salaries and steel pipes to seismic surveys and drilling equipment is the central challenge for the oil and gas industry over the next five years. The tremendous increase in exploration and production activity around the world over the last ten years has strained the global supply chain and been accompanied by a predictable increase in operating and capital costs.
As with oil, we are not actually running out of minerals, but the cost of extraction keeps going up. The implications for industrial civilization are screamingly clear. -- RF
Hess sells 74,000 acres of Utica shale
Hess Corp.'s chief executive said Wednesday his company decided to unload acreage in the Utica shale play in the United States because it wasn't profitable.
Hess Corp.'s chief executive said Wednesday his company decided to unload acreage in the Utica shale play in the United States because it wasn't profitable.
South Korean nuclear power plant shut; four now offline
A South Korean nuclear power plant automatically shut down on Wednesday due to a technical glitch, taking the number of reactors closed to four out of 23 and increasing the risk of power shortages over winter.
A South Korean nuclear power plant automatically shut down on Wednesday due to a technical glitch, taking the number of reactors closed to four out of 23 and increasing the risk of power shortages over winter.
Oil giant Shell in Brazillian oil field sell-off
OIL giant Royal Dutch Shell is selling a £600million stake in a Brazilian offshore oil field as it continues to shake-up its business following its recent profits warning.
OIL giant Royal Dutch Shell is selling a £600million stake in a Brazilian offshore oil field as it continues to shake-up its business following its recent profits warning.
Utah school takes lunches from kids with debts
Parents are angry with Uintah Elementary in Salt Lake City after workers took lunches from up to 40 kids with unpaid balances and threw them away, several media outlets reported.
Parents are angry with Uintah Elementary in Salt Lake City after workers took lunches from up to 40 kids with unpaid balances and threw them away, several media outlets reported.
Long-time readers know that I have always advocated heating efficiency by basically heating the body, and keeping space heating to a minimum (for example, in my home we heat only the family room). Whether or not you agree, the age of central heating is but a moment in human history, after which we will perforce return to traditional practices of keeping warm in the winter (and cool in the summer). Now is the time for people to reacquaint themselves with traditional practices and begin to implement them — before it's too late. -- RF
Bird Flu Isn't Just China's Problem Anymore
As the first human cases of H7N9 bird flu infection outside of China begin to emerge—in Taiwan and Hong Kong—health officials around the world are preparing for a potentially perfect storm for a massive flu outbreak.
As the first human cases of H7N9 bird flu infection outside of China begin to emerge—in Taiwan and Hong Kong—health officials around the world are preparing for a potentially perfect storm for a massive flu outbreak.
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
7 ways to stop NSA spying on your smartphone
Hackers attack Yahoo Mail accounts
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
A Forecast of Our Energy Future; Why Common Solutions Don't Work
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
A Forecast of Our Energy Future; Why Common Solutions Don't Work
This Detroit neighborhood is so bad that $1 homes could be a rip-off
## Japan ##
Japan Looks Offshore for Cobalt Needed for Industries
## Japan ##
Japan Looks Offshore for Cobalt Needed for Industries
NHK radio regular quits after anti-nuclear commentary nixed
A veteran radio show commentator quit his job at Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) after the public broadcaster told him to drop the subject of nuclear power during the Tokyo gubernatorial election, sources said.
A veteran radio show commentator quit his job at Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) after the public broadcaster told him to drop the subject of nuclear power during the Tokyo gubernatorial election, sources said.
Biggest Money Fund Shuns Companies on Default Risk: China Credit
China's biggest money-market fund has cut its holdings of corporate debt by more than 50 percent and sought safety in deposits as rising borrowing costs increase the threat of default.
China's biggest money-market fund has cut its holdings of corporate debt by more than 50 percent and sought safety in deposits as rising borrowing costs increase the threat of default.
China Panel Makers Turn Solar Farmers to Counter Glut
## UK ##
More than 270,000 poorest households in England face £80 council tax rise
## UK ##
More than 270,000 poorest households in England face £80 council tax rise
## US #
Propane shortages prompting state officials to act
Supply problems in several states where propane is a crucial heating source have prompted governors and other officials to take action against vendors, investigate claims of price gouging and increase aid to low-income customers.
Fed to reduce pace of bond buying by another $10B
Supply problems in several states where propane is a crucial heating source have prompted governors and other officials to take action against vendors, investigate claims of price gouging and increase aid to low-income customers.
Fed to reduce pace of bond buying by another $10B
America's largest insurance company, State Farm, says it has had so many claims for frozen pipes—28,000 in the Jan. 4-9 period of extreme cold—that it declared the situation a "catastrophe," allowing it to bring in more adjusters to handle the overload. It said the payout for such claims can be as high as $15,000.
Housing Bubble 2.0: "More Flipping, Bigger Profits, In Less Time" With 156,862 Homes Flipped In 2013
And finally...
White House says it will review petition to deport Justin Bieber
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
News Links, January 28-29, 2014
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Euro Jobless Record Not Whole Story as Italians Give Up
Euro Jobless Record Not Whole Story as Italians Give Up
Bundesbank calls for capital levy to avert government bankruptcies
Germany's Bundesbank said on Monday that countries about to go bankrupt should draw on the private wealth of their citizens through a one-off capital levy before asking other states for help.
Germany's Bundesbank said on Monday that countries about to go bankrupt should draw on the private wealth of their citizens through a one-off capital levy before asking other states for help.
Here it comes. Governments now see that their infinite-growth Ponzi schemes are falling apart, but of course their remedy is not to change the economic system and redistribute wealth, it's to rip off private citizens. -- RF
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Airlines likely to post record losses in 2013-14 (India)
Tiger Airways Swings to 3Q Net Loss on One-Off Charges, Lower Revenue
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Why China and the Philippines are Battling Over Rocks, Reefs
France says it plans to expand its military presence in Africa with the deployment of at least 3 000 troops to military bases in Niger, Mali and Chad as well as a logistics and supply base in Ivory Coast.
Mexico Legalizes Vigilantes, Nabs Cartel Leader
Mexico essentially legalized the country's growing "self-defense" groups Monday, while also announcing that security forces had captured one of the four top leaders of the Knights Templar drug cartel, which the vigilante groups have been fighting for the last year.
Mexico essentially legalized the country's growing "self-defense" groups Monday, while also announcing that security forces had captured one of the four top leaders of the Knights Templar drug cartel, which the vigilante groups have been fighting for the last year.
India close to buying Japan-made military aircraft in $1.65 billion deal
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Ukraine 'to scrap' anti-protest law
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Ukraine 'to scrap' anti-protest law
## Energy/resources ##
Harper Collides With Native Canadians' Natural Resources Claims
Harper Collides With Native Canadians' Natural Resources Claims
Russia can't lose in oil deal with Iran
Iraq Says Syria War Spillover Hinders Oilfields, Pipelines
Spillover attacks from the civil war in Syria have hindered development of Iraq's gas and oil reserves and a major pipeline to the Mediterranean has been blown up dozens of times, Iraq's top energy official said on Tuesday.
## Got food? ##
Genetic Engineering Actually INCREASES Pesticide Use, DECREASES Crop Yield, And May Be Dangerous to Your Health
Iraq Says Syria War Spillover Hinders Oilfields, Pipelines
Spillover attacks from the civil war in Syria have hindered development of Iraq's gas and oil reserves and a major pipeline to the Mediterranean has been blown up dozens of times, Iraq's top energy official said on Tuesday.
## Got food? ##
Genetic Engineering Actually INCREASES Pesticide Use, DECREASES Crop Yield, And May Be Dangerous to Your Health
Let them eat cake: Farm bill deal reached; cuts SNAP by $800m per year
FDA Concealed the 'High Risk' Livestock Antibiotics Pose to People
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed at least 30 antibiotics used in animal feed to remain on the market despite its own internal analysis finding a majority of them contribute to the dangerous problem of antibiotic- resistant bacteria in people.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed at least 30 antibiotics used in animal feed to remain on the market despite its own internal analysis finding a majority of them contribute to the dangerous problem of antibiotic- resistant bacteria in people.
## Environment/health ##
How To Avert An Antibiotic Apocalypse
How To Avert An Antibiotic Apocalypse
It looks as if the apocalypse is already here. -- RF
One of the benefits of being a member of the New Aristocracy. -- RF
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
NSA, GCHQ Using Data From 'Leaky' Smartphone Apps to Spy
US looks at ways to prevent spying on its spying
The U.S. government is looking into encryption techniques that could prevent eavesdroppers from spying on its own surveillance of Americans' phone records.
The U.S. government is looking into encryption techniques that could prevent eavesdroppers from spying on its own surveillance of Americans' phone records.
Here comes the databasing of all citizens' DNA. Get ready for your cheek swab. -- RF
## China ##
China's Fake Export Numbers Under Close Scrutiny
China's gold hunger — and what that means for Beijing's global financial power
Two news flashes that should remove any doubt about China's intentions regarding gold — and how it will help Beijing's plan to dominate world finance. One, Chinese consumers in 2013 bought gold equivalent to about 45% of global mine output. Two, a new gold futures contract has been launched through the Shanghai Gold Exchange — but there's a catch: you can pay for the contract only in yuan. You have sell dollars to buy the yuan, in other words, before dealing into the contracts.
China's gold hunger — and what that means for Beijing's global financial power
Two news flashes that should remove any doubt about China's intentions regarding gold — and how it will help Beijing's plan to dominate world finance. One, Chinese consumers in 2013 bought gold equivalent to about 45% of global mine output. Two, a new gold futures contract has been launched through the Shanghai Gold Exchange — but there's a catch: you can pay for the contract only in yuan. You have sell dollars to buy the yuan, in other words, before dealing into the contracts.
China's Households "Massively" Exposed To Housing Bubble "That Has To Burst"
China halts poultry trading after new H7N9 cases
China halts poultry trading after new H7N9 cases
## UK ##
UK to Shred Over 80,000 Pages of Environmental Protections
In a sweeping overhaul of environmental regulations in the UK, Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday announced plans to slash over 80,000 pages of laws that protect the environment against business practices.
## US ##
Working Age Americans are the Majority of People on Food Stamps for the First Time
THE Lines to Watch For a Collapse
THE Lines to Watch For a Collapse
Good News For Employed Americans: You Are Now Working Longer Than Ever
Welcome to our new low-paying, highly-subsidized economic reality
Welcome to our new low-paying, highly-subsidized economic reality
"We need to get real about the so-called renaissance, which has in reality been a trickle of jobs, often dependent on huge public subsidies. Most important, in order to compete with China and other low-wage countries, these new jobs offer less in health care, pension and benefits than industrial workers historically received."
Just one thing: Using robots assumes we have the energy to make and power them. -- RF
Iowa calls for action on propane shortage
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad called Monday for President Obama to address the propane shortage plaguing the Midwest amid freezing winter temperatures.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad called Monday for President Obama to address the propane shortage plaguing the Midwest amid freezing winter temperatures.
Report indicates textbook costs on rise
An education group said more than half of U.S. college students have skipped buying textbooks due to the cost and said the decision hurt academically.
An education group said more than half of U.S. college students have skipped buying textbooks due to the cost and said the decision hurt academically.
And finally...
Now there's a bad omen if I ever saw one. -- RF
Women Say They're Most Attracted To Guys Driving PickupsAnd to further increase their chances of getting a date, men should carry guitars. -- RF
Sunday, January 26, 2014
News Links, January 25-27, 2014
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
European banks have 84 billion euro capital shortfall, OECD estimates: report
Contagion Spreads in Emerging Markets as Crises Grow
Contagion Spreads in Emerging Markets as Crises Grow
James Turk: We're Living Within A Money Bubble of Epic Proportion
Argentina backtracks on details of dollar control
Argentina's economy minister is backtracking on details of the government's recent announcements over the easing of currency controls.
Argentina backtracks on details of dollar control
Argentina's economy minister is backtracking on details of the government's recent announcements over the easing of currency controls.
"You have to learn Mandarin," he said. "Mandarin is going to become a key language. That's the future."
## Gold ##
Hot dog! Aircraft finance on cloud nine as new money pours in
Crisis, what crisis? The good times are rolling in the aircraft finance industry as yield-hungry investors gamble on growing demand for air travel, banishing recent jitters over funding.
Cities investing billions in airport expansions, upgrades
Japan calls off all tours to Thailand
The decision to impose an emergency decree to manage the spreading and intensifying anti-government protests in Bangkok has led to cancellations of all Japanese tours to Thailand, according to Anake Srishevachart, president of the Thai-Japan Tourist Association.
Ryanair plane to Paris looted by angry passengers
The decision to impose an emergency decree to manage the spreading and intensifying anti-government protests in Bangkok has led to cancellations of all Japanese tours to Thailand, according to Anake Srishevachart, president of the Thai-Japan Tourist Association.
Ryanair plane to Paris looted by angry passengers
US Airways to close Moon flight operations center, affecting 600 jobs
Built less than six years ago, a state-of-the-art flight operations control center in Moon will be closing and the work transferred to Texas, a casualty in the American Airlines-US Airways merger.
Built less than six years ago, a state-of-the-art flight operations control center in Moon will be closing and the work transferred to Texas, a casualty in the American Airlines-US Airways merger.
The aviation market in the Philippines is overcrowded and largely unprofitable, except for market-leader Cebu.
UAE-Philippines flights "will have to be cut back"
Airlines are losing money on the UAE-Philippines route and will soon be forced to cut flights, a leading international aviation analyst organisation has warned.
Airlines are losing money on the UAE-Philippines route and will soon be forced to cut flights, a leading international aviation analyst organisation has warned.
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Bombings rock Egyptian capital, killing 6 people
Freedom House finds decline in political freedom in 2013
Political rights and civil liberties declined around the world in 2013 for the eighth consecutive year, the annual report released by Freedom House said.
Political rights and civil liberties declined around the world in 2013 for the eighth consecutive year, the annual report released by Freedom House said.
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
In Ukraine, protests resemble Medieval battle
Can water cannons cope with flash mob riots?
Xinjiang Police Kill 6 Rioters, 6 Die in Blast, Tianshan Says
Xinjiang Police Kill 6 Rioters, 6 Die in Blast, Tianshan Says
## Energy/resources ##
From "Glut" To Panic: Natural Gas Soars
The other side of the peak: Italy's collapse of oil and gas consumption
Sometimes, peak oil looks like an intellectual game that people keep playing by arguing whether it has arrived or not. But the point with oil is not how much of it is produced, somewhere, but how much you can afford to use.
Here is part of the vicious circle that is precipitating the downhill rush of industrial civilization. -- RF
The other side of the peak: Italy's collapse of oil and gas consumption
Sometimes, peak oil looks like an intellectual game that people keep playing by arguing whether it has arrived or not. But the point with oil is not how much of it is produced, somewhere, but how much you can afford to use.
Here is part of the vicious circle that is precipitating the downhill rush of industrial civilization. -- RF
Frequent blackouts cost malls up to RM1 million (Malaysia)
Going nuclear—and small—with new type of reactor
Going nuclear—and small—with new type of reactor
A meditation on how expensive energy (i.e., net energy decline) strangles economies. -- RF
OGP buys another week for restructure
Bondholders of bankrupt Brazil independent Oleo e Gas Participacoes (OGP) have agreed to a one-week extension to its deadline to submit a restructuring plan for the company.
## Got food? ##
Bringing home the bacon may get more expensive: First case of deadly pig virus confirmed in Canada
Bondholders of bankrupt Brazil independent Oleo e Gas Participacoes (OGP) have agreed to a one-week extension to its deadline to submit a restructuring plan for the company.
## Got food? ##
Bringing home the bacon may get more expensive: First case of deadly pig virus confirmed in Canada
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
The sharing economy: a short introduction to its political evolution
## Environment/health ##
Radioactive Waste Dumped by Oil Companies Is Seeping out of the Ground in North Dakota
After oil companies and state executives in North Dakota hid the news from the public that nearly 300 oil spills occured between 2011 and 2013, radioactive toxic sludge is brimming back up to the surface, bubbling forth from the ground and mixing with fresh water across the state.
U.S. Vets Exposed to Contaminated Cadaver Parts From Labs
After oil companies and state executives in North Dakota hid the news from the public that nearly 300 oil spills occured between 2011 and 2013, radioactive toxic sludge is brimming back up to the surface, bubbling forth from the ground and mixing with fresh water across the state.
U.S. Vets Exposed to Contaminated Cadaver Parts From Labs
Mouthwashes increase heart attack risk, scientists claim
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
CNN Says Its Main Facebook, Twitter Accounts Were Compromised
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
CNN Says Its Main Facebook, Twitter Accounts Were Compromised
And it's not illegal just because it violates the Constitution – although it does (the Fourth Amendment, specifically). The illegality of the NSA's telephone metadata program is much clearer and even more disturbing than that. The program is illegal because no law authorizes bulk collection of phone record data. To the contrary, several laws forbid it.
Developer finds Chrome eavesdropping bug
Any computer running the Chrome browser can be subverted to eavesdrop on conversations happening around it, claims a developer.
Any computer running the Chrome browser can be subverted to eavesdrop on conversations happening around it, claims a developer.
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
Italy's slow collapse: how declining energy consumption affects GdP
The author's point is not that the US should make death chamber drugs (he opposes the death penalty), but that US technological capability is collapsing. -- RF
## Japan ##
Energy Economist: The burden that Japan is facing in its higher energy costs
Energy costs in Japan are reaching a critical point. The economy is growing too slowly to offset the burden of increased commodity energy imports. Renewables will add further costs.
Japan government forecasts show Abe missing budget-balance promise
Japanese government calculations indicate that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cannot meet his budget-balancing promise in coming years on the current course, suggesting he may come under greater pressure from fiscal hawks for future tax increases.
Japanese government calculations indicate that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cannot meet his budget-balancing promise in coming years on the current course, suggesting he may come under greater pressure from fiscal hawks for future tax increases.
## China ##
Self-sufficiency in China's grain production promised
Is The China Bank Run Beginning? Farmers Co-Op Unable To Pay Depositors
Shadow banking crisis looms as China Credit Trust faces default
## UK ##
UK Employment: No Sign of Economic Recovery, just Desperation
UK Employment: No Sign of Economic Recovery, just Desperation
Boomerang generation: The financial implications of young and old returning home
The number of detentions in cells of under 18s under the Mental Health Act was 385 in 2011, 317 in 2012 and 305 in the first 11 months of 2013, the BBC said a Freedom of Information request had revealed.
## US ##
More McDonald's customers say: "I ain't lovin' it."
Natural gas soars as cold grips homes, drillers
All-cash offers crushing first-time homebuyers
Insatiable demand from hedge funds, private equity investors and foreign buyers, all armed with ready cash, are elbowing first-time buyers out of the housing market.
Man dies during 8-hour wait in NYC ER waiting roomInsatiable demand from hedge funds, private equity investors and foreign buyers, all armed with ready cash, are elbowing first-time buyers out of the housing market.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
News Links, January 23-24, 2014
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Argentina restricts online shopping as foreign reserves drop
Argentina restricts online shopping as foreign reserves drop
DHL, FedEx suspend shipments to Russian customers
Express delivery companies DHL and FedEx (FDX.N) said on Thursday they had suspended foreign shipments to individual customers in Russia because of stricter customs procedures, making it harder for internet users to buy goods from abroad.
Express delivery companies DHL and FedEx (FDX.N) said on Thursday they had suspended foreign shipments to individual customers in Russia because of stricter customs procedures, making it harder for internet users to buy goods from abroad.
Here it comes– more leading economists call for capital controls
A Trend to Note: Over One-Third of Adults Unemployed
European businesses rushing to find Iran bonanza
Singapore Exchange to Add Circuit Breakers Next Month
Singapore Exchange Ltd., Southeast Asia's biggest bourse, will add circuit breakers next month that protect investors from excessive stock swings after a plunge in three commodity companies erased $6.9 billion in market value.
A Trend to Note: Over One-Third of Adults Unemployed
European businesses rushing to find Iran bonanza
Singapore Exchange to Add Circuit Breakers Next Month
Singapore Exchange Ltd., Southeast Asia's biggest bourse, will add circuit breakers next month that protect investors from excessive stock swings after a plunge in three commodity companies erased $6.9 billion in market value.
Australians in Record Loan Spree as House Prices Soar: Mortgages
Australian homebuyers are borrowing at the fastest pace in four years amid record prices, straining debt levels already among the developed world's highest as interest rates are set to climb.
Australian homebuyers are borrowing at the fastest pace in four years amid record prices, straining debt levels already among the developed world's highest as interest rates are set to climb.
Nothing to see here, folks. Move right along. -- RF
After Market: Investors Fear Big Trouble from Brittle China
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Bombardier cuts 1,700 jobs to save cash after jet delays
## Airline Death Spiral ##
Bombardier cuts 1,700 jobs to save cash after jet delays
Singapore Airlines cuts more flights
Why Is the 787 Dreamliner Such a Hassle for Norwegian Air?
3 airlines that will keep soaring in 2014
Why Is the 787 Dreamliner Such a Hassle for Norwegian Air?
3 airlines that will keep soaring in 2014
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
Robert Gates on How Israel and Saudi Arabia Pressure US into Wars of Choice
Taiwan Rejects China Fishing Rules for Foreign Vessels in South
Taiwan Rejects China Fishing Rules for Foreign Vessels in South
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
They're 'All Shook Up' and They Want the Fracking Wells to Stop
Residents of north Texas communities demand regulatory body put end to injection wells they say are behind spate of earthquakes
Ukraine's Big Brother Text: "Dear Subscriber, You Are Registered as Participant in Mass Riot"
80,000 Miners Strike for Living Wage
## Energy/resources ##
I have said repeatedly that renewables cannot prop up industrial civilization. I am in favor of building more renewable capacity, as that will help keep the lights on a while longer. But the belief that we can maintain civilization at this energy level using renewables is an illusion. -- RF
Must read: Megaprojects A Megaheadache For Oil Bosses
Giant oil and gas extraction projects will be giving oil industry executives headaches to match for the years ahead as delays, cost overruns and increasing risks call for new strategies to manage them. The sheer scale and complexity of such projects is threatening to outgrow the ability of even the largest oil companies to manage them.
Despite this grim reality, hysterical energy dreamers continue to insist that peak oil is dead that that technology will solve all our energy problems. Clearly this situation signifies the end of easy oil and the beginning of the age of scarcity and higher prices. It's no wonder that the Obama administration has opened its eyes and is doing everything possible to get Iran's oil back on the world market. -- RF
Giant oil and gas extraction projects will be giving oil industry executives headaches to match for the years ahead as delays, cost overruns and increasing risks call for new strategies to manage them. The sheer scale and complexity of such projects is threatening to outgrow the ability of even the largest oil companies to manage them.
Despite this grim reality, hysterical energy dreamers continue to insist that peak oil is dead that that technology will solve all our energy problems. Clearly this situation signifies the end of easy oil and the beginning of the age of scarcity and higher prices. It's no wonder that the Obama administration has opened its eyes and is doing everything possible to get Iran's oil back on the world market. -- RF
Hydrogen Vehicles 2: The Technical Downside
Research engineers will often talk about what can be done technically, without considering the economic feasibility. Magazines like Scientific American and Technology Review often gush over advances that turn out to be viable only in the laboratory, not the real world. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would seem to belong to this category.
Research engineers will often talk about what can be done technically, without considering the economic feasibility. Magazines like Scientific American and Technology Review often gush over advances that turn out to be viable only in the laboratory, not the real world. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would seem to belong to this category.
Harsh weather puts Kenya at risk of acute power shortage
Behind Texas Electric Grid Emergency Alert, a Power Plant Failure, Not Demand
The blackouts during Australia's heatwave didn't happen by accident
The US shale boom is overhyped
Existing shale gas and oil wells are showing spectacularly high early decline rates and won´t prevent the world heading towards an energy crisis
Behind Texas Electric Grid Emergency Alert, a Power Plant Failure, Not Demand
The blackouts during Australia's heatwave didn't happen by accident
The US shale boom is overhyped
Existing shale gas and oil wells are showing spectacularly high early decline rates and won´t prevent the world heading towards an energy crisis
## Infrastructure scavenging ##
Metal thefts persist amid Michigan debate for tougher scrapping laws
Metal thefts persist amid Michigan debate for tougher scrapping laws
One village, over 700 cable thefts in four months
## Got food? ##
Venezuela About To Run Out Of Food Despite Fresh All Time High In Its Stock Market
## Got food? ##
Venezuela About To Run Out Of Food Despite Fresh All Time High In Its Stock Market
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
Ten Pillars of Financial Independence
## Environment/health ##
Super typhoon victims flee again as rains flood southern Philippines
Biodiversity loss can lead to toxin build up in soil
A new study suggests that a moderate loss of less than 5 percent of soil microbes may compromise some key ecosystem functions and could lead to lower degradation of toxins in the environment.
A new study suggests that a moderate loss of less than 5 percent of soil microbes may compromise some key ecosystem functions and could lead to lower degradation of toxins in the environment.
One quarter of sharks and rays threatened with extinction
More Oil Spilled in 2013 US Rail Incidents than Previous 37 Years Combined
More Oil Spilled in 2013 US Rail Incidents than Previous 37 Years Combined
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Verizon reports 1,000-1,999 security data orders
Verizon Communications Inc. says it received between 1,000 and 1,999 government requests for customer information related to national security last year.
The 25 most common passwords of 2013
Verizon Communications Inc. says it received between 1,000 and 1,999 government requests for customer information related to national security last year.
The 25 most common passwords of 2013
No Place to Hide: We're All Suspects in Barack Obama's America
Are you opposed to fracking? Then you might just be a terrorist
Are you opposed to fracking? Then you might just be a terrorist
## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
TRIP report: Deficient roads, bridges cost Michigan motorists up to $1,600 a year in 'hidden' costs
America's crumbling infrastructure desperately needs funding
"Endless Growth" Is the Plan and There Is No Plan B
PM Abe likens current China-Japan relations to Britain and Germany during World War One
Sony Seen Cutting Forecast Again on Sluggish PC, TV Sales
Sony Seen Cutting Forecast Again on Sluggish PC, TV Sales
## UK ##
E.ON runs down power stations despite blackout warning
German firm plans to close one station and reduce output at three others, leaving UK with precious little spare capacity
Water cannon set to be deployed across Britain amid fears of more riots
German firm plans to close one station and reduce output at three others, leaving UK with precious little spare capacity
Water cannon set to be deployed across Britain amid fears of more riots
Must read: Dead Mall Syndrome: The Self-Reinforcing Death Spiral of Retail
A 'tsunami' of store closings expected to hit retail
A 'tsunami' of store closings expected to hit retail
The Minneapolis retailer also said 700 positions will not be filled. Target did not say what departments would be affected by the layoffs or how much money it would save the company.
Looming pension payment could drive city taxes to highest in U.S. (Chicago)
Next year, Chicago must come up with a state-mandated $590 million increase in its contribution to police and fire pension funds. A Crain's analysis of the city's tax and budget options shows that payment could lead to the highest commercial property tax rate in the nation and still leave the city needing to make millions of dollars in spending cuts that could decimate many services.
Next year, Chicago must come up with a state-mandated $590 million increase in its contribution to police and fire pension funds. A Crain's analysis of the city's tax and budget options shows that payment could lead to the highest commercial property tax rate in the nation and still leave the city needing to make millions of dollars in spending cuts that could decimate many services.
Engineers Found 'Hundreds' of Cracks in California Bridge
Engineers spotted "hundreds" of cracks in welds on parts produced for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 2008 and were encouraged to stay quiet rather than delay the $6.4 billion project, according to a California Senate committee report.
Engineers spotted "hundreds" of cracks in welds on parts produced for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 2008 and were encouraged to stay quiet rather than delay the $6.4 billion project, according to a California Senate committee report.
Treasury Secretary sounds alarm on new debt ceiling deadline
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told House Speaker John Boehner and other congressional leaders Wednesday that Congress must vote to increase the government's borrowing limit before late February.
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told House Speaker John Boehner and other congressional leaders Wednesday that Congress must vote to increase the government's borrowing limit before late February.
Interest from foreign militaries has been tepid. But they are a hit with stateside police agencies. Almost 200 trucks have been distributed to police departments since August and requests are pending for an additional 750 trucks. The vehicles, many of which feature machine-gun turrets, are off-limits to private citizens and businesses.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
News Links, January 21-22, 2014
## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards ##
Spain's Worst Year for Work Leaves Rajoy Counting Cost of Slump
Spain's Worst Year for Work Leaves Rajoy Counting Cost of Slump
Neofeudalism: The Global Elite: Rigging the Rules That Fuel InequalityNew report from Oxfam states that 85 of the world's richest people own the wealth of half of the world's population.
Greek Unpaid Electricity Bills Grow By €4 Million Per Day: Over 700,000 Pay In Installments
UN: more than 200 million jobless last year
The United Nations' labor agency says the number of unemployed people around the world rose above 200 million last year as job opportunities failed to grow at the same pace as the global workforce.
UN: more than 200 million jobless last year
The United Nations' labor agency says the number of unemployed people around the world rose above 200 million last year as job opportunities failed to grow at the same pace as the global workforce.
## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
China to start regular patrols from island in South China Sea
Iraq: Al-Qaeda Has Firepower to Occupy Baghdad
Iraq: Al-Qaeda Has Firepower to Occupy Baghdad
## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Ukrainian Activists Fire Catapult as Kiev Clashes Persist
Ukrainian anti-government activists, enraged by new laws to subdue dissent, battled police for a second night, building a catapult to launch Molotov cocktails.
Ukrainian anti-government activists, enraged by new laws to subdue dissent, battled police for a second night, building a catapult to launch Molotov cocktails.
## Energy/resources ##
The biggest problem is the high cost of extracting oil from shale formations. This could turn the "glut" into a shortage overnight. -- RF
German power sector troubles trigger big and 'bad' ideas
Big problems are prompting big ideas about reforming Germany's utility sector ranging from a super-merger among players in the "big four" to creating a "bad" utility to take over loss-making plants.
New energy demand rising in Middle East
Power prices in Ukraine expected to double to pay for nuclear safety
Last year crushes record for oil-by-rail spills
Brazil to Invest $150B over the Next 4 Years on E&P Activities
Big problems are prompting big ideas about reforming Germany's utility sector ranging from a super-merger among players in the "big four" to creating a "bad" utility to take over loss-making plants.
New energy demand rising in Middle East
Power prices in Ukraine expected to double to pay for nuclear safety
Last year crushes record for oil-by-rail spills
Brazil to Invest $150B over the Next 4 Years on E&P Activities
Whether or not you are interested in making money feeding China, this article has some sobering news for people who live in China and want to eat. -- RF
## Lifestyle Solutions ##
Can You Live Without Credit Cards?
## Environment/health ##
Now Deemed 'Safe,' Water Supply Sickens Over a Hundred W. Virginia Residents
Migratory Birds Behind South Korea Bird Flu Outbreak
Floods force thousands to evacuate in Indonesian capital
Floods force thousands to evacuate in Indonesian capital
What Else Is China Exporting to US? Huge Amounts of Air Pollution
NOAA: World in 2013 was 4th hottest on record
NOAA: World in 2013 was 4th hottest on record
## Intelligence/propaganda/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Zombie botnets: Why some crime networks refuse to die
Zombie botnets: Why some crime networks refuse to die
Microsoft in more hacking misery
A Microsoft blog has been hacked by the Syrian Electronic Army shortly after two of its Twitter accounts and another blog were attacked by the same group.
A Microsoft blog has been hacked by the Syrian Electronic Army shortly after two of its Twitter accounts and another blog were attacked by the same group.
As the government's financial situation grows more desperate by the day, this idea, originally floated a few years ago, has recently gained new urgency. Watch for more ideas from governments around the world on how to skim and seize their citizens' wealth. -- RF
Shale gas is not the silver bullet to all our energy problems
West Midlands vigilante claims are denied by police chief
West Midlands vigilante claims are denied by police chief
The nuclear family model continues to erode, as I predicted. -- RF
A shortage of propane gas in the Midwest and Northeast is impacting millions of homes and businesses in rural areas beyond the reach of utilities.
